The Truth Behind the Symbol: Living an Authentic Faith

In a world obsessed with appearances, it's easy to fall into the trap of living a life that looks like that of a true believer, but lacks true spiritual substance. When unbelievers witness this misalignment of actions and values, it gives them reason to doubt the authenticity of our beliefs and the God we proclaim. Our neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances are watching to see if the way we live reflects the transformative power of our faith, and it's a sobering thought to consider that our actions might contradict our words.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, confronts this hypocrisy head-on. He challenges us to examine our lives and ask if we are truly living lives that are transformed by the gospel, or if we're just trying our best to look the part.

Symbols vs. Substance

This issue of outward appearances or symbols vs substance is not a new one. Religious symbols have played a significant role in faith communities throughout history. For example, for the Jewish people, circumcision was a physical sign of their covenant with God. Today, many Christians wear crosses as a symbol of their faith.

Paul argues that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, not just the flesh. Similarly, wearing a cross or getting a religious tattoo means nothing if our lives don't reflect the values of Christ. Ultimately, outward symbols are meaningless without inward transformation. God is looking for a genuine surrender to His will and a removal of spiritual obstacles that keep us from fully embracing His love.

From Law to Grace

In Paul's time, the early Christian church grappled with a monumental shift from a system based on strict adherence to the law to one centered on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This transition wasn't easy, especially for those steeped in Jewish tradition.

But the message of the gospel is clear: we cannot earn our salvation through perfect obedience to the law. Instead, we're invited into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus. When we accept this gift, God's Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, bringing about genuine transformation.

The evidence of this inward change is unmistakable. The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – begins to grow in our lives. If we claim to follow Christ but see no evidence of these qualities taking root, it's time for some serious self-examination.

The Absurdity of Sin as a Showcase for Grace

Some might be tempted to take this idea to an extreme, reasoning: "If God's forgiveness is so amazing, shouldn't we sin more to showcase His grace?" This line of thinking is not only absurd but completely misses the point of God's redemptive work.

God's grace is not a license to sin. Instead, it breaks the power of sin in our lives and sets us free to live in righteousness. True grace leads to transformation, not continued rebellion.

Living an Authentic Faith

So, how do we move beyond empty symbolism to embrace an authentic, vibrant faith? Here are some key steps:

1. Engage in rigorous self-examination: Hold up the mirror of God's Word to your life. Are there areas of hypocrisy you need to address?
2. Invite the Holy Spirit's work: Ask God to circumcise your heart, removing any hardness or resistance to His will.
3. Embrace grace: Recognize that you can't earn God's favor through perfect obedience. Instead, rest in the finished work of Christ.
4. Look for evidence of transformation: Are the fruits of the Spirit growing in your life? If not, it may be time to reassess your relationship with God.
5. Practice integrity: Ensure that your actions align with your professed beliefs, both in public and private.
6. Share the good news: Let your transformed life be a testament to God's grace, drawing others to Him.

As we yield ourselves to God's work in our lives, He faithfully shapes us into the image of Christ.  Let's challenge ourselves to live lives that cause others to see the beauty of Christ in us. In doing so, we become living symbols of God's transformative grace, inviting others to experience the same life-changing relationship with Him.

Based on a sermon by Pastor Ty Guy at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on February 2, 2025.

Ty Guy earned his D.Min at Fuller Seminary and has been Sr. Pastor at South Shores Church since 1998. Ty grew up in Nigeria as a missionary kid, and later served 36 years as a Chaplain in the Air Force Reserve. Ty & his wife, Cindi, have grown children (who all still love the Lord, praise God!), and 10 grand-children age 10 or less.